need to send a standard manila envelope but don’t know how many stamps are required?
Postal mail may not be as common these days thanks to the transition to digital communications, but there are some times when you still want to mail a physical document or physical images instead of digital copies.
in these cases, you’ll probably use a manila envelope.
We cover the number of stamps you’ll need for a manila envelope.
how many stamps for a manila envelope?
small and medium manila envelopes (sizes 5×7 or 6×9) are considered standard mail and generally only require a forever stamp, as long as they weigh no more than one ounce.
If the envelope weighs more than one ounce, you will need to add additional postage based on the weight.
You can add a second stamp forever, but you’ll save money by using an “extra ounce” stamp for each additional ounce over an ounce.
Large manila envelopes (size 9×12) belong to another mailing category known as “large” or “flat” envelopes that require two stamps forever for a single one-ounce envelope.
The main things to consider when sending manila envelopes are the size and weight of the envelope.
There are three main sizes of manila envelopes:
- small: 5 x 7
- medium: 6 x 9
- large: 9 x 12
You may find other sizes available, but these are the three standard sizes most people use for mail.
for reference, standard envelopes are typically 4.125″ x 9.5″ or 3.875″ x 8.875″.
Shipping cost for small and medium manila envelopes
Assuming you send the envelope via standard mail, for a forever stamp, you’ll pay $0.58.
If you need stamps to cover the cost of shipping for additional weight, you will pay $0.20 per additional ounce stamp.
The price of standard permanent stamps recently increased from $0.55 to $0.58 per stamp.
The good news is that, as the name suggests, the stamps retain the same value even when the price goes up again.
That means people who bought forever stamps when they were $0.55 can still use them in the same way as forever stamps sold at the updated rate.
cost of sending large manila envelopes
Large manila envelopes cost a little more because they take up more space.
See the following rates for sending large manilla envelopes:
- 1 ounce: $1.16
- 2 ounces: $1.36
- 3 ounces: $1.56
- 4 ounces: $1, 76
- 5 ounces: $1.96
can i use standard stamps on manila envelopes?
yes.
You can use standard stamps on manila envelopes.
when to use a manila envelope
Manila envelopes are most often used when you want to send documents that you don’t want to fold.
In most cases, these are professional documents, such as contracts.
You can also use manila envelopes to mail images securely.
folding a document may not look so professional.
in some cases, it can even affect the quality of the document.
a misplaced fold can make a particular line of a contract or signature unreadable.
of course you can’t put a crease on an image or it will damage the image.
if the images are larger than a standard envelope, you may want to mail them in a manila envelope.
different types of seals
There are a couple of different stamps among which you can choose when buying stamps.
Do stamps expire?
stamps do not expire.
You can use stamps as far back as 1860 (although you may want to check the value of old stamps before using them, especially if they’re that old).
Please note that the cost of shipping may increase over time.
You may need additional postage in addition to an old stamp.
Can I use a damaged seal?
Essentially, it’s about how much of the seal is intact.
The Post Office has the right to use its discretion with respect to damaged stamps.
Generally speaking, as long as more than 50% of the seal is intact, you can still use it.
They won’t give you much trouble if the seal only has minor damage.
Can I reuse stamps?
no.
stamps cannot be reused.
When using a stamp, the post office disfigures the seal to ensure that it cannot be used again.
where to buy stamps
You don’t want to go into a store assuming you can buy stamps only to find out they don’t sell them.
These are some of the places where you can buy stamps.
1. online
first, you can purchase postage online through the usps website.
You may also purchase other shipping materials on the Website for your personal use and to assist you with your business shipping needs.
If you have other online shopping needs, you may choose to purchase your stamps through amazon.
They also sell envelopes and all other mailing supplies.
2. retail stores
If you want a stamp right away, you may want to go to a retail store to get a stamp right away.
These are some of the retail stores that sell stamps:
- walmart
- walgreens
- costco
- kroger
- meijer
- cvs
- staples
- rite aid
- 7-11
- target (most locations)
You can also buy stamps at certain gas stations and banks, but that varies by company.
Most of the time, you’ll have to go to a physical store to buy stamps.
in many cases, they are not available for delivery.
Please note that most retailers do not sell individual stamps.
You probably need to buy a whole book of stamps if you buy from a retailer.
expect to get at least 20 stamps on a book.
if you just need a stamp, you better go to the post office.
You probably won’t be able to buy various types of stamps at your local dealer, either.
if you need extra ounce stamps or global forever stamps, you better go to the post office.
3. post office
Of course, you can buy stamps at the post office.
however, most people don’t like to make a special stop at the post office just to get stamps.
however, it may be your only option when you have unique postal needs, as noted above.
As an added bonus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the staff questions about your mailing needs.
They will be able to weigh your letter and tell you your shipping options.
don’t forget to go to the post office if you plan to send your priority mail.
save money on sending manila envelopes
If your work or personal life requires you to mail manila envelopes on a regular basis, you may want to find different ways to save on postage costs.
Follow these tips to save money on sending manila envelopes.
1. minimize postal mail to a minimum
Keep in mind which communications require postal mail and which business processes can be completed using digital communications, such as email and online signatures.
don’t spend money on shipping items like invoices.
You can usually pay most of your bills over the phone or online.
If you need someone to sign a contract, you can look for different programs online that allow people to digitally sign documents.
make sure your industry accepts digital signatures.
In some cases, you may need to obtain a physical signature.
don’t forget you also have the option of using fax machines (as long as you don’t need the original copy of the signature).
2. buy a scale
get a small postal scale so you know how much your manila envelope weighs instead of guessing.
If you think the envelope weighs less than it does, the item may be returned so you can apply proper postage, making it difficult to do business.
Alternatively, if you exceed your estimates every time, you’ll end up paying more in postage than required.
a scale will ensure you always have the correct postage for your envelope.
Of course, that only helps if you have the correct amount of postage on hand.
3. metered postage
Instead of using standard physical stamps, you can use metered postage which calculates the exact amount of postage required based on the size and weight of the envelope you want to mail and then prints it on the envelope.
measured postage may appear more professional.
also, you won’t have to spend more than necessary on shipping costs.
You’ll always pay the exact amount of postage required instead of putting two forever stamps on an envelope that doesn’t require it because it doesn’t have extra one-ounce stamps.
To take advantage of metered postage, you must purchase a postage meter yourself or sign up for an online program that allows you to print your own metered postage.
When you buy your own metered postage machine, you won’t have to pay for printer ink.
It’s up to you whether you send enough envelopes to invest in the metered postage machine that pays off or not.
4. business email accounts
If you ship a lot of items as part of your professional life, you may want to set up a business mail account with your preferred delivery service.
business accounts tend to offer you reduced rates and other perks like advanced tracking features and convenient online tools.
Accounts vary in price depending on your needs and the delivery service you get an account with.
ways to send a manila envelope
You have a couple of options when it comes to which company you want to use to mail your manila envelope and which service you want to use to mail the envelope.
When you want to show a sense of urgency or need to deliver something to someone at a certain time, you may want to consider some of the express services on offer.
1. united states post office
- First Class Mail: 1 to 5 business days
- Priority Mail: 1 to 3 business days
- priority mail express: next day guarantee to 2 days before 6:00 p.m. m.
2. uploads
- ups ground: 1 to 5 business days
- ups 3 day select®: 3 business days
- ups 2nd day air a.m.®: 2 business days (from 8:00 a.m.)
- ups next day air saver®: next business day
- ups next day air®: next business day for 10: 30 a.m. m.
- ups next day air® early: next business day at 8:00 a.m. m.
<li ups 2nd day air®: 2 business days
3. fedex
- fedex ground®: 1 to 5 business days
- fedex express saver®: 1 to 3 business days
- fedex 2day®: 2 business days
- fedex 2day® a.m.: 2 business days at 10:30 a.m.
- Fedex Standard Overnight®: Overnight to Next Afternoon
- Fedex Priority Overnight® : overnight to the next afternoon
- fedex first night®: overnight to the next morning
- fedex sameday®: same day (in selected areas)
As you can see, fedex and ups offer more express options, but they also tend to charge a bit more for these services.
Also, you can’t leave mail in your mailbox or in a mailbox down the street.
additional options when sending a manila envelope
When a particular piece of mail is extremely important to you, you may want to request additional options to ensure the envelope reaches its destination.
1. safe
Depending on the delivery service you choose, you have insurance options that will cover up to a certain amount of money if an envelope is lost or late.
talk to your delivery associate to learn more about your different insurance options.
2. proof of delivery
Sometimes you need to make sure a person receives a particular document.
Not only will you have added peace of mind, but you’ll also have documented proof that the recipient actually received the envelope (even if they’re trying to claim they didn’t).
Two of the most common forms of proof of delivery are sending something by certified mail or requiring a signature.
While the sender gets the added security of knowing the mail was delivered, it can also make it harder for the delivery service to get the envelope into the person’s hands if they don’t open the door for the carrier due to scheduling conflicts. (Consider sending mail to a person’s place of work rather than their residence.)
conclusion
The number of stamps to put on your manila envelope depends on the size and weight of the envelope.
In most cases, small and medium-sized manila envelopes only require one stamp forever.
if the envelope weighs more than one ounce, it may also need to include one or two “extra ounce” stamps depending on the weight.
Large manila envelopes require additional postage due to their size.
a large manila envelope weighing less than an ounce requires two stamps forever.
again, you’ll need to add “additional ounce” stamps if the envelope weighs more than one ounce.
expect to pay more if you want the envelope to arrive quickly or if you want to include insurance on the envelope.